This quotation from Winston Churchill, one of the great military leaders of modern times, seem to speak directly to the ongoing controversy surrounding Donald Rumsfeld:

Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realise that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events. Antiquated War Offices, weak, incompetent, or arrogant commanders, untrustworthy allies, hostile neutrals, malignant Fortune, ugly surprises, awful miscalculations — all take their seats at the Council Board on the morrow of a declaration of war.

War is the most difficult thing of all. Secretary Rumsfeld has proven himself to be a supremely competent war commander under very difficult circumstances. The current conflict is all the more trying for the fact that we have in our midst those who loathe their own country so much that they seek to effect our defeat. And all these people without exception share one thing in common — they hate Donald Rumsfeld with a blinding passion. They hate him, because he stands in their way. It is almost impossible to conceive that the United States could lose while this man is at the helm of our armed forces. And this thought drives the America haters into utter frenzy, because they know that they will not be able to prevail as long as people like him are in charge. Their spouting and gnashing of teeth is the best testimony to the Secretary's effectiveness.

This nation needs Mr. Rumsfeld more than ever. When the history of our time is written many years from now — long after these sick and treasonous maligners have been swept into the sewer of history — this nation will fully recognize its debt of gratitude to this excellent man. May God give him the strength to complete his mission.

Vasko Kohlmayer    4 14 06